CARLTON midfielder Bryce Gibbs believes the Blues must overcome their recent big-game hoodoo if they are to become a competitive finals side in years to come.

Since round 12, the Blues have lost big stage Friday night games to St Kilda, Essendon and Collingwood by an average of 44 points.

Gibbs, 20, says the side must put their "stage fright" behind them if they are to move forward.

"We've come a long way in the last 18 months, and hopefully to play finals in the next couple of years, we're going to be on the big stage," he said on Tuesday.

"To win those games, we really need to perform. Having some winning experiences in these sorts of games will really help us."

He said they had been unable to decipher just why they had been failing under the Friday night lights in recent times.

"No matter what time of the week you play, you try not to change too much of your routine," he said.

"It's just another game and that's all you can worry about."

Gibbs said this Friday night's clash with North Melbourne – who will be farewelling former club captain Adam Simpson – was a huge opportunity to atone for past disappointments in that sought-after timeslot.

He also said it would be important to shelve the slow starts that have plagued the side over the past seven rounds in order to counteract the emotion the Kangaroos would be playing with.

"It's another big stage and we need to earn some respect back," Gibbs said.

"We haven't been the best starting side in the last month, that's something we'll address.

"It's not only going to be the start; it's going to be a four-quarter game. They are renowned for getting over the line in milestone games, so it's going to take four quarters to beat them."

Gibbs said it was comforting to see players such as Andrew Walker and Robbie Warnock return from injury in the VFL, as well as Setanta O'hAilpin move closer to getting his body right after missing three senior games.

He also said Nick Stevens was travelling well after being omitted in round 13.

"With a lot of guys able for selection, we can put our strongest team out," Gibbs said.

"Nick [Stevens] has been really good since he's been dropped. He was disappointed at the time but his positivity and attitude has been second to none.

"I haven't heard him whinge too much, so he'll be a great help to us if he gets in."